diff --git a/hexrd/ui/hexrd_config.py b/hexrd/ui/hexrd_config.py
index a804a670f..2874c7c8b 100644
--- a/hexrd/ui/hexrd_config.py
+++ b/hexrd/ui/hexrd_config.py
@@ -511,6 +511,9 @@ def set_overlays():
             # Thus, set the overlays later.
             QTimer.singleShot(0, set_overlays)
 
+        if '_recent_images' not in state:
+            self._recent_images.clear()
+
         self.recent_images_changed.emit()
 
     @property